How to Fix Dog Scratches on a Wood Door
Bone up on how to erase Fido's scratch marks from your wooden door
- Fine sanding block
- Paintbrush
- Towel or tarp
- Dust mask or respirator
- Eye protection
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
- Clear spray finish
- Painter's tape
- Gel stain
As any homeowner with pets knows, claws can do a number on wood. If you have a wooden door marked with dog scratches, you may be eager to remove them. The good news is that you can probably salvage an existing door to avoid new door installation costs, which can reach between $500 and $1,970 on average. Follow this guide to learn how to fix dog scratches on wood doors.
Prepare the Area
Photo: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesPut a towel or tarp down around the bottom of the door you'll be working on to protect your floor. During this process, wood shavings and liquid products could get on the floor. Cleanup will be a lot simpler if you have a barrier there to catch any particles or drips. It's also wise to apply painter's tape to the frame of the door to protect it when applying the gel stain and finishing spray.
Sand Down the Scratches
Photo: Saranyoo Chantawong / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesPut on personal protective equipment like a dust mask or respirator and eye protection. Then, use your fine sanding block to lightly sand down the scratches and surrounding areas. Work gently and diligently until the blemishes from the scratches fade. Once you're satisfied with your work, wipe off the dust using paper towels or a microfiber cloth.
Apply a Gel Stain
Photo: mirsad sarajlic / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesYou’ll need a gel stain matching the existing finish. You may need to mix several colors to get a perfect match if the original stain of your door is either unavailable or unknown. Before applying the stain directly on your door, we recommend you do a spot test. To do this, buy a small piece of wood to test the gel stain. You can then do a side-by-side comparison of the wood piece and your door to see if they match.
The best way to apply gel stain when repairing dog scratches on a door is to first pour a small amount of gel on a rag. Next, use a dry paintbrush to transfer the stain to the door.
Add a Clear Finish
As a final step, spray on a clear finish to give the door a bright, new look. A finish will also provide some protection against new scratches and wear and tear. Put on your mask and eye protection again before using the spray finish. Most sprays should be sprayed in overlapping passes while you hold the can 10 inches from the door's surface. Use slow, even sprays to avoid drip marks. Ventilate the area well as the door dries.
Mistakes to Avoid When Repairing Dog Scratches in a Wood Door
While learning how to repair dog scratches on a wood door isn't difficult, the task can look deceptively easy at first. Here are some mistakes to avoid as a DIYer:
Slapping paint over the problem: While you can hide scratch marks on a painted door by applying some spackle and adding another coat of paint, this won't work on natural wood doors. It will only cause the deep lines to become more visible after they’re encapsulated in paint.
Sanding too much: Excessive sanding can actually make the door uneven. You could create a thinned-out spot that creates a dip or makes your door look uneven at the end.
Testing the gel stain color at night: Do your color-matching comparison between your test piece of wood and your door in the daytime to take advantage of natural light. Differences may not be as noticeable in artificial light.
Not providing your dog with an alternative: If your dog anxiously paws at your door daily, consider installing a dog door that allows them to come and go. On average, dog door installation costs range from $100 to $500.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
On average, door repair costs range from $130 to $370. However, repairs that involve filling holes and dents can cost between $50 and $100.
By comparison, the total cost for a gel stain and clear wood finish is around $20 to $40. While a DIY scratch repair can be ideal for light or moderate scratch marks, consider hiring a door repair expert near you for deep lacerations in your wooden door that may require filling.
Yes, installing a dog door will usually reduce or eliminate door-scratching behaviors in dogs if the reason they’re scratching is because they’re anxious about not being able to get outside. Hire someone who installs doggie doors professionally to ensure you choose a door that's the right fit for your doorway and dog breed.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a door that’s been scratched by a dog depends on the extent of the damage. On average, door installation costs between $500 and $1,970 for a front door. If your door has light or moderate scratch marks, the cost to repair it yourself may be as low as $50 to $100.
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